On a Mission to Win a 7-Eleven Franchise

DALLAS, Feb. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of veterans are charging ahead to enlist in Operation: Take Command, 7-Eleven, Inc.'s second franchise giveaway contest targeted exclusively to U.S. military veterans.

With the Feb. 26 deadline for entries fast approaching, more than 9,000 veterans have entered, already exceeding last year's total number of entrants. 

The winner will receive a waiver of the franchise fee, valued at up to $190,000, to franchise any 7-Eleven^® convenience store available in the continental U.S. at the contest's culmination. Interested veterans, who are first-time 7-Eleven franchise applicants, can enter online at www.VeteransFranchiseGiveaway.com through Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. The winner will be announced in June.

"This is a great opportunity for a veteran to take charge of his or her future," said Larry Hughes, 7-Eleven vice president of Franchise Systems and himself a West Point graduate and U.S. Army veteran. "Veterans have a proven track record as 7-Eleven franchisees. Leadership and character, systems orientation, discipline, the ability to build teams … the qualities that are stressed in the military are the same ones that lead to success in our system."

In addition to their military experience, many of the veterans who have entered this year's Operation: Take Command competition hold bachelor's and graduate degrees and possess business, retail and management skills.

The Operation: Take Command franchise giveaway is a multi-phased competition that includes meeting 7-Eleven's franchising qualifications and successful interviews. The top 25 will be invited to submit a video on why they deserve a 7-Eleven franchise. Up to seven will be selected for the semi-finals round, which includes a Facebook video contest. The three getting the most Facebook votes will be interviewed by 7-Eleven's franchise department and narrowed to one winner.

To qualify for the contest, an entrant must be age 21 or older, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, an honorably discharged veteran, have excellent credit and at least three years of leadership, retail or restaurant experience. Contestants will go through the same qualification process as all 7-Eleven franchise applicants including credit evaluation, a leadership test, business plan development, budget and location preferences.

7-Eleven has been recognized by veterans' organizations for its military-friendly business opportunities, hiring practices and philanthropic support for military families. Military veterans serve in every level of the company from store sales associates to headquarters personnel.  The retailer also has supported military assistance organizations including Hire Heroes USA, the USO, Reserve Aid, Warrior Gateway and Operation Mend.

"Response to this year's Operation: Take Command has already surpassed last year, I think in part because veterans recognize what a great opportunity owning a 7-Eleven franchise can be and that 7-Eleven is a military-friendly company on all fronts," Hughes said.  "Five of the top 10 finalists in last year's contest are now 7-Eleven franchisees."

7-Eleven was selected a 2014-2015 "Best for Vets" franchise by Military Times, a Top 100 Military-Friendly Employer by G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse magazines in 2014, 2015 and 2016, one of U.S. Veterans Magazine Top 100 Veteran-Friendly Companies, and MVE (Most Valuable Employer) by civilianjobs.com.

The Fine Print: The contest is not open to eligible veterans who are legal residents of Hawaii, North Dakota, South Dakota and where prohibited. All participants must read and agree to the official rules at veteransfranchisegiveaway.com. This is not an offer to sell a franchise, which will be made by us only in a state if 7-Eleven, Inc. is first registered, filed, exempted or otherwise qualified to offer franchises in that state, and only if 7-Eleven provides an appropriate Franchise Disclosure Document. A credit of up to $190,000 toward the initial franchise fee will be awarded. The winner will be required to pay any portion of the initial franchise fee over $190,000 for the store they select, along with other initial fees, including but not limited to a $29,000 down payment on inventory, cost of all licenses and permits, expenses to attend training and other fees described in our Franchise Disclosure Document. The 20-percent franchise fee discount that we offer to veterans is not applicable to this contest when calculating the initial franchise fee for the selected store.

About 7-Eleven, Inc.                                                                                                             

7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises and licenses more than 10,700 7-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, there are some 57,900 7-Eleven stores in 17 countries. 7-Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations. Accolades include placing #7 on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list for 2016, #1 on Entrepreneur magazine's 2014 Top Global Franchise list; #10 spot on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list for 2015; #1 on "Best Retail Franchises" list for April 2015 by FranchiseRankings.com; #3 on Forbes magazine's Top 20 Franchises to Start; and is among GI Jobs magazine's Top 100 Military Friendly Employers for 2016. 7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S. and expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.

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SOURCE 7-Eleven, Inc.

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